In 1630 Venice was racked by a horrible epidemic of the black plague, almost a third of the population died. The Senate pledged a solemn vow to construct a church to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary - Our Lady of Good Health - as a thanksgiving if the plague ceased. The most prominent Venetian architect of the century, Baldassare Longhena, was assigned the project for the building which was to become one of the most distinctive hallmark of the city: built right between the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Basin, visible from a great distance, a major sign of rebirth and hope for the whole city.
Venice has been celebrating this Feast for nearly 400 years. On the 21st of November, day of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary to the Temple, flocks of people cross the pontoon bridge which is constructed, as it was done in the past, so as to ease the procession of people over the Grand Canal to get to the church to light a blessed candle. And after that, a traditional meal, wonderful comfort food: the “castradina”!